Oil pan assembly and method of selecting an oil pan

ABSTRACT

A transmission oil pan assembly includes an oil pan matable with a transmission case to at least partially define a transmission interior space, and an accessing component for accessing an interior component located inside of the transmission interior space from outside of the transmission interior space. The oil pan is formed with structure adapted to support the accessing component. The oil pan may be formed with an opening adapted to receive the accessing component. A method of selecting an oil pan from an inventory of oil pans with differently disposed accessing components is also provided.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to automotive transmission oil pans, transmissionelectrical connectors and transmission oil level measuring devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automotive transmissions typically have a die-cast transmission casecovering and at least partially containing the gearbox and the necessarysolenoids, valves, and other components that form the transmission. Thegearbox is continuously bathed in transmission oil for cooling of themoving gears. Accordingly, the transmission case partially forms aclosed interior space for containing the oil. An oil pan is usuallymounted to the transmission case for collecting the transmission oil andforms the remainder of the closed interior space. An oil pan istypically bounded by a flange matable with the transmission case. Wallsextend downward from the flange and are joined by a floor. Thus, thevolume of the oil pan is usually directly correlated with the perimeterof the flange.

The transmission case is typically cast with an opening to which anelectrical connector is mounted. The electrical connector connectsexternal wiring from electrical components located outside of thetransmission case to other electrical components located inside of thecase. For example, wiring from the engine control unit, engine sensorsor other types of sensors or from a transmission control module, all ofwhich are typically located outside of the transmission case, may berouted to electrical components, such as solenoids, located inside ofthe transmission case. The transmission case may also be cast with anopening for receiving an oil fill tube. Transmission oil may be added tothe transmission via the oil fill tube. A dipstick is commonly movablewithin the oil fill tube for measuring the oil fill level in thetransmission. Because the transmission case is a die-cast part,retooling of the case may be an expensive undertaking. Accordingly, thesame transmission case design having a given electrical connectoropening location and a given fill tube opening location is often used ondifferently configured vehicles. Access to the electrical connector andto the fill tube opening may be affected by the relative positioning ofthe driveshafts, exhaust system, steering column, and other vehiclecomponents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A transmission oil pan assembly includes an oil pan matable with atransmission case to at least partially define a transmission interiorspace, and an accessing component for accessing an interior componentlocated inside of the transmission interior space from outside of thetransmission interior space, wherein the oil pan is formed withstructure adapted to support the accessing component. The oil pan may beformed with an opening adapted to support the accessing component.

The accessing component may be an electrical connector adaptable fortransmitting non-mechanical control signals between an electricalcomponent located outside of the transmission interior space and theinterior component, the interior component being another electricalcomponent located inside of the transmission interior space.

Alternatively, the accessing component may be an oil level assemblyincluding an oil level measuring device and fill tube receivingstructure. The oil pan structure adapted to support the accessingcomponent is adapted to support the fill tube receiving structure. Thefill tube receiving structure is connectable to an oil fill tube locatedon the vehicle for adding oil to the transmission. The measuring deviceis translatable within the fill tube receiving structure for measuringoil level within the transmission interior space.

Preferably, the transmission case is characterized by the absence ofopenings adapted to receive an electrical connector (i.e., theelectrical connector may be mated to the oil pan, but not to thetransmission case) and by an absence of openings adapted to receive anoil level assembly. The oil pan is preferably stamped metal,injection-molded plastic or machine-molded aluminum. Because thetransmission case is typically die-cast, it is difficult to retool thecase to relocate the structure adapted to support the accessingcomponent (i.e., to relocate the opening for the electrical connector orthe opening for the oil level assembly). The oil pan, however, is mucheasier to reconfigure. Mounting the accessing component to the oil panwill afford flexibility in positioning the accessing component atdifferent locations on the pan to maximize accessibility of theaccessing component for installation and maintenance.

The oil pan assembly may further include an oil filter disposable withinthe interior space and connectable to the oil pan, a gasket formed ineither the transmission case or the oil pan and disposable between thetransmission case and the oil pan, and a frame having integral wiresdisposable within the transmission interior space between the electricalconnector and at least one other electrical component located within thetransmission interior space for transmitting electrical signals betweenthe connector and the other component.

The oil pan may have a plurality of sidewalls, a floor extending betweenthe sidewalls, and an extension opposing the floor and configured to fitbetween at least one of the walls and the case. The extension is asecondary housing member configured to increase the volume of the oilpan. The extension may include a domed portion opposing the floor. Inone aspect of the invention, the accessing component is mountable in oneof the sidewalls. In another aspect of the invention, the accessingcomponent is mountable in the floor. In yet another aspect of theinvention, the accessing component is mountable in the extension.

A method of selecting a transmission oil pan for use on a vehicle havinga transmission case comprises maintaining an inventory of oil pansmatable with the transmission case to at least partially define atransmission interior space, the inventory including a first oil pan anda second oil pan. Each of the oil pans includes a front sidewall, a rearsidewall, a left sidewall and a right sidewall and a floor extendingbetween the sidewalls. Each oil pan may also include an optionalextension. An accessing component for accessing an interior componentlocated inside of the transmission interior space from outside of thetransmission interior space is mounted to each of the oil pans. A firstaccessing component is mounted at a first location on the first oil panand a second accessing component is mounted at a second location on thesecond oil pan. The second location is different than the firstlocation. The first location and the second location are each selectedfrom the group consisting of the floor, the front sidewall, the rearsidewall, the left sidewall, the right sidewall and, if included on theoil pan, the optional extension. The method also includes selecting oneof the first oil pan and the second oil pan based upon the firstlocation and the second location.

The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages ofthe present invention are readily apparent from the following detaileddescription of the best modes for carrying out the invention when takenin connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective illustration of an oil pan assemblymatable with a transmission case;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective illustration of another oil panassembly mated with a transmission case on a vehicle and includingadditional components disposed in an interior space formed by the matedcase and oil pan;

FIG. 3 a is a schematic side view illustration of an oil pan assemblyshowing in vertical cross-section an oil pan having an integral oilfilter, showing in phantom a transmission case mated with the oil pan,and showing in elevation an accessing component mounted to the oil pan;

FIG. 3 b is a schematic side view illustration of an oil pan assemblyshowing in vertical cross-section an oil pan having an integral, snap-inoil filter, showing in phantom a transmission case mated with the oilpan, and showing in elevation an accessing component mounted to the oilpan;

FIG. 3 c is a schematic side view illustration of an oil pan assemblyshowing an oil pan in partial vertical cut-away to expose fastenersdisposed through a floor thereof, showing in phantom a transmission casemated with the oil pan, and showing in elevation an accessing componentmounted to a sidewall of the oil pan; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic flow diagram of a method of selecting atransmission oil pan.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows an oil pan assembly 10. The oil pan assembly 10 includes afront sidewall 12, a rear sidewall 14, a left sidewall 16, a rightsidewall 18 and a floor 20 forming a bottom portion 22. The oil panassembly 10 is further formed with an extension 24 which may also bereferred to as a secondary housing member. The bottom portion 22 and theextension 24 are depicted as separate components in FIG. 1. They mayalso be formed as a one-piece unit. The extension 24 is formed withstructure adapted to support an accessing component. The structureadapted to support an accessing component is preferably accessingcomponent opening 26, which is adapted to receive the accessingcomponent. The accessing component may be an electrical connector 28.Thus, the electrical connector 28 may be supported by the extension 24at the accessing component opening 26. An O-ring or other sealing device(not shown) may be disposed between the extension 24 and the electricalconnector 28 to maintain a leak free seal between the electricalconnector 28 and the accessing component opening 26. Alternatively, theelectrical connector 28 may be molded into (i.e., integrally formedwith) the extension 24 as a unit.

Alternatively, the accessing component may be an oil level assembly 11that includes fill tube receiving structure 28′ and an oil levelmeasuring device 13 (both shown in phantom). The accessing componentopening 26 may be adapted to receive fill tube receiving structure 28′such that the fill tube receiving structure 28′ is supported at theextension 24. A hollowed oil fill tube 15 (shown in phantom) may beconnected to the fill tube receiving structure 28′ which is similarlyhollowed. The oil level measuring device 13, may be in the form of adipstick, and is translatably insertable and withdrawable through thehollowed connected oil fill tube 15 and fill tube receiving structure28′ into oil (represented in phantom by oil level 17) in the bottomportion 22 to measure the oil level 17. Preferably, the oil levelmeasuring device 13 includes a grab handle 19 matable with the tube 15.The tube 15 is of sufficient length such that the grab handle 19 isdisposed in and may be accessed from an engine compartment (not shown)on a vehicle (not shown) to which the transmission case 32, theextension 24 and the bottom portion 22 are mounted. Those skilled in theart will recognize that the fill tube receiving structure 28′ may bemolded into (i.e. integrally formed with) the extension 24 as a unit.

The bottom portion 22 and the extension 24 form an oil pan 25. The oilpan 25 may be stamped metal, injected molded of a plastic material, ormachined aluminum. Those skilled in the art will realize a variety ofmethods of forming an oil pan. Preferably, the extension 24 is injectionmolded of a plastic material. The extension 24 includes a domed portion23 as well as an extension flange 27. Alternatively, the extension 24may not have a domed portion (i.e., it may be substantially flat), inwhich case the electrical connector opening 26 would be disposeddownward from the position shown in FIG. 1, on substantially the samelevel as the extension flange 27. Other alternatively-shaped extensionsmay also be employed. The extension 24 is mated with the bottom portion22. The bottom portion 22 includes a bottom portion flange 29. The frontsidewall 12, the rear sidewall 14 and the right sidewall 18 partiallyform the bottom portion flange 29. The extension flange 27 and thebottom portion flange 29 cooperatively form an oil pan flange 21.

A transmission case 32 includes a torque converter portion 34, a maincase 36 and a case extension portion 38. The transmission case 32 isformed with a pan rail 40. Preferably, the transmission case 32 ischaracterized by an absence of openings adapted to receive theelectrical connector 28 or the fill tube receiving structure 28′. Thus,the transmission case 32 does not dictate the location of the electricalconnector 28.

The transmission case 32 is matable with the oil pan 25. Specifically,the pan rail 40 is adapted to mate with the flange 21. One of the bottomportion 22 or the extension 24 may be formed with an integral gasketdisposed between the extension 24 and the bottom portion 22 for sealingtherebetween. Alternatively, the extension 24 and the bottom portion 22may be adhesively or otherwise fastened to one another in a leak-freemanner. As depicted in FIG. 1, a gasket 42 is formed in the flange 21for sealing the pan rail 40 and the flange 21 together. Alternatively, agasket may be disposed in the pan rail 40. The pan rail is formed withpan rail openings 44 adapted to mate with oil pan flange openings 48 inthe oil pan flange 21. Fasteners (not shown) disposed through the panrail openings 44 and the oil pan flange openings 48 will enable themating of the transmission case 32 and the oil pan assembly 10.

Notably, the extension 24 permits a larger bottom portion 22 to be matedto the transmission case 32, thus increasing oil pan volume. (Withoutthe extension 24, the left sidewall 16 of the bottom portion 22 would bedisposed directly beneath the left side 31 of oil pan flange 21,resulting in decreased pan volume.) Increased pan volume allows forincreased oil volume, decreasing oil deterioration and increasinglubrication sufficiency. Additionally, increasing the pan volume by useof a wider pan, as in FIG. 1, keeps the oil level below the movingcomponents of the transmission, thus decreasing the propensity of oilfoaming and rotational resistance.

FIG. 2, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components in FIG.1, depicts a vehicle 60 shown in phantom. The vehicle 60 includes atransmission case 32A mated with an oil pan 25A of an oil pan assembly10A. The oil pan 25A includes a bottom portion 22A and an optionalextension 24A. The mated transmission case 32A and oil pan 25A form atransmission interior space 62. The transmission interior space 62includes an oil pan interior space 64. The extension 24A is formed withan accessing component opening 26A adapted to receive an electricalconnector 28A. Accordingly, the electrical connector 28A is mounted inthe extension 24A.

Non-mechanical control signals may be transmitted between an outsideelectrical component 66 and the electrical connector 28A.“Non-mechanical control signals” include electrical and fiber opticcontrol signals. The outside electrical component 66 may be one of avariety of components located on the vehicle such as a throttle positionsensor, an engine coolant temperature sensor, an engine speed sensor, abrake position sensor, an air conditioning sensor, a cruise controlsensor, a four wheel-drive/two wheel-drive sensor, or a manifoldpressure sensor. The outside electrical component 66 may also be anengine control unit.

A lead frame 70 is shown disposed in the transmission interior space 62.The lead frame 70 is formed with integral wires 72. The lead frame 70may be formed by injection molding a plastic material around the wires72. Use of such a lead frame 70 may avoid the use of an internal wiringharness to connect to components located within the transmissioninterior space 62, thereby simplifying assembly and possibly reducingassembly time.

An interior component, also referred to as an inside electricalcomponent 76, is disposed within the transmission interior space 62. Theinside electrical component 76 may be a solenoid assembly designed totransform non-mechanical control signals into mechanical motion. Theoutside electrical component 66 as well as the inside electricalcomponent 76 may each be responsive to non-mechanical control signals.The outside electrical component 66 is able to send non-mechanicalcontrol signals 80 through the electrical connector 28A and the integralwire 72 disposed within the lead frame 70 to the inside electricalcomponent 76. If the inside electrical component 76 is a solenoidassembly, it may be operatively connected to a valve body assembly 86.Thus, non-mechanical control signals 80 may be transformed in thesolenoid assembly into mechanical forces which act upon the valve bodyassembly 86 for hydraulically controlling the transmission on thevehicle 60.

A transmission control unit 84, also referred to as a transmissioncontrol module, is shown disposed within the transmission interior space62. The transmission control unit 84 is operatively connected to theelectrical connector 28A through the lead frame 70. The transmissioncontrol unit 84 is able to generate and transmit non-mechanical controlsignals 80 through the lead frame 70 to the inside electrical component76 via the integral wires 72 of the lead frame 70. The transmissioncontrol unit 84 may also receive non-mechanical control signals 80 fromthe outside electrical component 66 through the electrical connector28A. The outside electrical component 66, the inside electricalcomponent 76 and the transmission control unit 84 may form at least apart of a local area network of components, including control units,located both inside of and outside of the transmission interior spaceand able to communicate at least partly through the electrical connector28A.

Preferably, the electrical connector 28A, the lead frame 70, the insideelectrical component 76 and the transmission control unit 84 are locatedabove the oil level (not shown) in the oil pan 25A. Use of the extension24A helps provide additional pan interior space 64 in order to helpachieve this objective.

The oil pan assembly 10A further includes a gasket 42A formed in aflange 21A of the oil pan assembly 10A and disposed between thetransmission case 32A and the flange 21A.

The oil pan assembly 10A further includes an oil filter 94 shownconnected to the oil pan 25A. The oil filter 94 may be welded orotherwise fastened to the oil pan 25A. The oil filter 94 is shown with apump inlet opening 96. The pump inlet opening 96 is adapted to receive apump located within the transmission interior space 62.

Referring to FIG. 3 a, wherein like reference numbers refer to likecomponents in FIGS. 1-2, an oil pan assembly 10B is shown formed with anintegral oil filter 94B. The integral oil filter 94B is shown with afilter inlet 98. The oil pan assembly 10B includes an oil pan 25B matedwith a transmission case 32B (shown in phantom and depicted, forpurposes of illustration, with a simplified shape) forming atransmission interior space 62B. An extension (not shown) similar toextension 24 of FIG. 1 may or may not be included within the oil panassembly 10B. A gasket 42B is formed in a flange 21B of the oil pan 25Bfor sealing between the oil pan 25B and the case 32B. The oil pan 25B isformed with an accessing component opening 26B in a left sidewall 16B.The accessing component opening 26B is adapted to receive an electricalconnector 28B. Accordingly, the electrical connector 28B is mounted inthe left sidewall 16B of the oil pan 25B.

A lead frame 70B is disposed within the transmission interior space 62B.The lead frame 70B is operatively connected to the electrical connector28B via non-mechanical control signals 80B. An outside electricalcomponent 66B is able to communicate with the electrical connector 28B.An inside electrical component 76B is disposed within the transmissioninterior space 62B. The inside electrical component 76B is operativelyconnected to the lead frame 70B. Accordingly, non-mechanical controlsignals 80B may be sent between the outside electrical component 66B andthe inside electrical component 76B via the electrical connector 28B andthe lead frame 70B. Inside electrical component 76B may be a solenoidassembly. A valve body assembly 86B is shown operatively connected tothe inside electrical component 76B. A transmission control unit 84B isalso shown disposed within the interior space 62B. The transmissioncontrol unit 84B may be operatively connected to the electricalconnector 28B through the lead frame 70B. Accordingly, non-mechanicalcontrol signals 80B between the outside electrical component 66B and thetransmission control unit 84B may be used to actuate and control theinside electrical component 76B.

Referring to FIG. 3 b, wherein like reference numbers refer to likecomponents in FIGS. 1-3 a, an oil pan assembly 10C including an oil pan25C mated with a transmission case 32C (shown in phantom) is shown. Anextension (not shown) similar to extension 24 of FIG. 1 may or may notbe included in the oil pan assembly 10C. The mated oil pan 25C andtransmission case 32C define a transmission interior space 62C. The oilpan 25C is formed with filter mounting structure 100 which may be ridgeson a floor 20C of the oil pan 25C. The filter mounting structure 100 ismatable with filter receiving structure 102, which may be flanges formedin an oil filter 94C. Other means of mating the oil filter 94C with theoil pan 25C include welding, adhesion, and a variety of fasteningtechniques that will be readily recognized by those skilled in the art.Accordingly, the oil filter 94C may be made integral with the oil pan25C. An accessing component opening 26C is formed in the floor 20C. Theaccessing component opening 26C is adapted to receive an electricalconnector 28C. The electrical connector 28C may connect outsideelectrical components with inside electrical components or atransmission control unit as in FIGS. 2-3 a. A gasket 42C is formed in aflange 21C of the oil pan 25C and is disposed between the transmissioninterior case 32C and the oil pan 25C to form a seal therebetween.

Referring to FIG. 3 c, wherein like reference numbers refer to likecomponents in FIGS. 1-3 b, an oil pan assembly 10D is depicted. The oilpan assembly 10D includes an oil pan 25D. An extension (not shown)similar to extension 24 of FIG. 1 may or may not be included in the oilpan assembly 10D. A fragmentary view of a front sidewall 12D of the oilpan 25D shows that the front sidewall 12D is formed with an accessingcomponent opening 26D. The accessing component opening 26D is adapted toreceive an electrical connector 28D. As depicted in FIGS. 2-3 a, theelectrical connector 28D may communicate non-mechanical control signalsbetween an outside electrical component and an inside electricalcomponent disposed within a transmission interior space 62D formed bythe mated transmission case 32D and oil pan 25D. A gasket 42D is formedin a flange 21D of the oil pan 25D for sealing engagement of thetransmission case 32D and the oil pan 25D.

Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 c, the invention allows the accessingcomponent (e.g., an electrical connector or an oil level assembly) to bedisposed in a plurality of locations in an oil pan assembly. Flexiblelocation of the accessing component allows for the most advantageouslocation for access during assembly or servicing given the relativeposition of other components on a vehicle. Preferably, the accessingcomponent is located at a molded section of the pan, as molded elementsare relatively easy to retool.

Referring again to FIG. 3 c, the oil pan 25D is formed with fastenerhousing openings 104 in a floor 20D of the oil pan 25D. The fastenerhousing openings 104 are adapted to receive fastener housings 106.Alternatively, the fastener housings 106 may be integrally formed in thefloor 20D. The fastener housings 106 may house fasteners 110 such asbolts. The fasteners 110 extend through the fastener housings 106 tomated portions 114 of the transmission case 32D. Accordingly, thetransmission case 32D is fastened to the oil pan assembly 10D viafasteners 110 disposed through the floor 20D of the oil pan 25D.Disposition of fasteners 110 through the floor 20D may reduce the totalnumber of fasteners necessary to retain the mating of the pan 25D andthe case 32D.

Referring to FIG. 4, a method 120 of selecting a transmission oil panfor use on a vehicle having a transmission case is schematicallydepicted. The method 120 need not be performed in the order depicted inFIG. 4. The method 120 includes maintaining an inventory 122 of oil pansmatable with the transmission case to at least partially define atransmission interior space. The inventory includes a first oil pan anda second oil pan. Each of the first and second oil pans includes a frontsidewall, a rear sidewall, a left sidewall and a right sidewall and afloor extending between the sidewalls. Additionally, each of the firstand second oil pans may include an optional extension. An accessingcomponent is mounted to each of the oil pans for accessing an interiorcomponent located inside the transmission interior space from outside ofthe transmission interior space. The accessing component may be anelectrical connector or an oil level assembly, both of which aredescribed above. A first accessing component is mounted on the first oilpan at a first location. A second accessing component is mounted on thesecond oil pan at a second location different than the first location.The first location is selected from the group consisting of the floor,the front sidewall, the rear sidewall, the right sidewall, and the leftsidewall. The second location is selected from the same group but isdifferent than the first location. The group from which the firstlocation and the second location are selected may also include anextension. It is intended that the extension is a portion of the oil panwhich is a secondary housing member opposing the floor and configured tofit between at least one of the sidewalls and the transmission case, asillustrated in FIGS. 1-2.

The method 120 may further include determining whether the vehicle isfront wheel-drive or rear wheel-drive 126. Front wheel-drive vehiclesand rear wheel-drive vehicles may have differing drivetrainconfigurations which may affect the accessibility accessing componentand optimal location of the accessing component.

The method 120 may further include determining whether the vehicle maybe selectively changed between two wheel-drive and four wheel-drive 130.Such a vehicle may have a differing drivetrain configuration than avehicle that is solely two wheel-drive. This may affect theaccessibility and convenience of an accessing component location.

The method 120 may further include determining the position of thesteering column on the vehicle 134. A vehicle having a steering columndisposed on the left side of the vehicle may have a different preferredlocation for an accessing component than a vehicle having a steeringcolumn disposed on the right side of the vehicle.

The method 120 may further include determining the relative positions ofthe drivetrain shafts on the vehicle 138. Positioning of drivetrainshafts on a vehicle with respect to each other and with respect to othervehicle componentry may also affect the convenience and accessibility ofa given accessing component location.

The method 120 may further include determining the position of anexhaust system component on the vehicle 139. Exhaust systems may have amultitude of exhaust system components located on the vehicle, which mayaffect the optimal location of the accessing component on the oil pan.

The method 120 may further include determining the position of a vehiclecomponent 141 in an engine compartment on the vehicle. If the 5accessing component is an oil level assembly, as described above, it mayhave a portion (e.g., the grab handle 19, shown in FIG. 1) extendinginto the engine compartment. The optional position of the grab handleand the fill tube receiving structure (28!, also shown in FIG. 1) may beaffected by the positions of the vehicle components in the enginecompartment.

The method 120 includes selecting one of the first oil pan and thesecond oil pan 142 based upon the first location and the secondlocation. Accordingly, the method 120 allows for optimal selectionbetween a variety of oil pans with differently disposed accessingcomponents based upon relative vehicle-specific factors such as frontwheel-drive versus rear wheel-drive, two wheel-drive versus fourwheel-drive, steering column position and drivetrain shaftconfigurations.

As set forth in the claims, various features shown and described inaccordance with the different embodiments of the invention illustratedmay be combined.

While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been describedin detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relateswill recognize various alternative designs and embodiments forpracticing the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A transmission oil pan assembly comprising: an oil pan matable with a transmission case to at least partially define a transmission interior space; and an accessing component for accessing an interior component located inside of the transmission interior space from outside of the transmission interior space; wherein the oil pan is formed with structure adapted to support the accessing component.
 2. The transmission oil pan assembly of claim 1, wherein the structure adapted to support the accessing component forms an opening adapted to receive the accessing component.
 3. The transmission oil pan assembly of claim 1, wherein the transmission case is characterized by the absence of openings adapted to receive the accessing component, and wherein the accessing component is selected from the group consisting of an electrical connector and an oil level assembly, the oil level assembly including an oil level measuring device and fill tube receiving structure.
 4. The transmission oil pan assembly of claim 1, wherein the accessing component is mountable to the oil pan.
 5. The transmission oil pan assembly of claim 4, wherein the oil pan has a plurality of sidewalls and a floor extending between the sidewalls; and wherein the accessing component is mountable in one of the sidewalls.
 6. The transmission oil pan assembly of claim 4, wherein the oil pan includes a plurality of sidewalls, a floor extending between the sidewalls and an extension opposing the floor and configured to fit between at least one of the sidewalls and the case, wherein the extension comprises a secondary housing member configured to increase the volume of the oil pan, and wherein the accessing component is mountable to the extension.
 7. The transmission oil pan assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a gasket formed in one of the transmission case and the oil pan such that the gasket is disposable between the transmission case and the oil pan for sealing therebetween.
 8. The transmission oil pan assembly of claim 1, further comprising: an oil filter disposable within the transmission interior space and connectable to the oil pan.
 9. The transmission oil pan assembly of claim 8, wherein the oil pan is formed integrally with the oil filter.
 10. The transmission oil pan assembly of claim 1, wherein the oil pan has a plurality of sidewalls and a floor extending between the sidewalls and is fastenable to the transmission case by fasteners disposable through the floor.
 11. The transmission oil pan assembly of claim 1, wherein the oil pan has a plurality of sidewalls, wherein the sidewalls at least partially form a flange and wherein the oil pan is fastenable to the transmission case by fasteners disposable through the flange.
 12. The transmission oil pan assembly of claim 1, wherein the oil pan is stamped metal.
 13. The transmission oil pan assembly of claim 1, wherein the oil pan is injection molded.
 14. The transmission oil pan assembly of claim 1, wherein the oil pan is machined aluminum.
 15. The transmission oil pan assembly of claim 1, wherein the accessing component is an electrical connector adaptable for transmitting non-mechanical control signals between at least one electrical component located outside of the transmission interior space and the interior component, wherein the interior component is at least one other electrical component.
 16. The transmission oil pan assembly of claim 15, wherein the electrical connector is integrally formed with the structure adapted to support the accessing component.
 17. The transmission oil pan assembly of claim 15, wherein the oil pan has a plurality of sidewalls and a floor extending between the sidewalls; and wherein the electrical connector is mountable in the floor.
 18. The transmission oil pan assembly of claim 15, further comprising: a frame having integral wires, wherein the frame is disposable within the transmission interior space between the electrical connector and said at least one other electrical component located within the transmission interior space for transmitting electrical signals between the connector and said at least one other electrical component.
 19. The transmission oil pan assembly of claim 15, further comprising: a transmission control unit for generating control signals and transmitting said control signals to said at least one other electrical component located within the transmission interior space, wherein the transmission control unit is disposable within the transmission interior space and is operably connectable to the electrical connector.
 20. The transmission oil pan assembly of claim 1, wherein said accessing component is an oil level assembly and said interior component is oil, wherein the oil is characterized by an oil level, wherein said oil level assembly includes an oil level measuring device and fill tube receiving structure, wherein said structure adapted to support the accessing component is adapted to support the fill tube receiving structure, wherein the fill tube receiving structure is connectable to an oil fill tube located on the vehicle and usable for adding oil to the transmission, and wherein the oil level measuring device is translatable within the fill tube receiving structure for measuring the oil level within the transmission interior space.
 21. The transmission oil pan assembly of claim 20, wherein the fill tube receiving structure is integrally formed with the structure adapted to support the accessing component.
 22. A transmission oil pan assembly, comprising: an oil pan matable with a transmission case to at least partially define a transmission interior space, wherein the oil pan has a plurality of sidewalls, a floor extending between the sidewalls and an extension opposing the floor and configured to fit between at least one of the walls and the case, wherein the extension comprises a secondary housing member configured to increase the volume of the oil pan, wherein the transmission case is characterized by the absence of openings adapted to receive an electrical connector; an electrical connector mountable to the oil pan and adapted for transmitting electrical signals between at least one electrical component located outside of the transmission interior space and at least one other electrical component located inside the transmission interior space; a filter connectable to the oil pan within the transmission interior space; a gasket formed in one of the transmission case and oil pan such that the gasket is disposable between the transmission case and the oil pan; and a frame having integral wires, wherein the frame is disposable within the transmission interior space between the electrical connector and said at least one other electrical component located within the transmission interior space for transmitting non-mechanical control signals between the connector and said at least one other component.
 23. The transmission oil pan assembly of claim 22, further comprising: a transmission control unit for transmitting control signals to said at least one other electrical component located within the transmission interior space, wherein the transmission control unit is disposable within the transmission interior space.
 24. A transmission oil pan assembly comprising: an oil pan matable with a transmission case to at least partially define a transmission interior space; wherein the oil pan includes a plurality of sidewalls, a floor extending between the sidewalls and an extension opposing the floor and configured to fit between at least one of the sidewalls and the case, wherein the extension comprises a secondary housing member configured to increase the volume of the oil pan.
 25. The transmission oil pan assembly of claim 24, wherein the oil pan includes a flange portion, wherein the transmission case is matable to the flange portion, and wherein the extension includes a domed portion.
 26. A method of selecting a transmission oil pan for use on a vehicle having a transmission case, the method comprising: maintaining an inventory of oil pans matable with the transmission case to at least partially define a transmission interior space, the inventory including a first oil pan and a second oil pan, wherein each of the first and second oil pans includes a plurality of sidewalls, said plurality of sidewalls including a front sidewall, a rear sidewall, a left sidewall, and a right sidewall, and wherein each of the first and second oil pans includes a floor extending between said plurality of sidewalls; wherein an accessing component for accessing an interior component located inside of the transmission interior space from outside of the transmission interior space is mounted to each of the oil pans; wherein a first accessing component is mounted on the first oil pan at a first location; wherein a second accessing component is mounted on the second oil pan at a second location different than the first location; and wherein each of the first location and the second location are selected from the group consisting of the floor, the front sidewall, the rear sidewall, the left sidewall, the right sidewall; and selecting one of the first oil pan and the second oil pan based upon the first location and the second location.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein each of the accessing components is an electrical connector for transmitting electrical signals between at least one electrical component located outside of the transmission interior space and at least one other electrical component located inside of the transmission interior space.
 28. The method of claim 26, wherein each of the accessing components is an oil level assembly, the oil level assembly including an oil level measuring device and fill tube receiving structure, wherein the fill tube receiving structure is connectable to an oil fill tube located on the vehicle and wherein the oil level measuring device is translatable within the fill tube receiving structure for measuring oil level within the transmission interior space.
 29. The method of claim 26, further comprising determining whether the vehicle is front wheel-drive or rear wheel-drive, wherein said selecting step is further based upon said determining step.
 30. The method of claim 26, further comprising determining whether the vehicle may be selectively changed between two wheel-drive and four wheel-drive, wherein said selecting step is further based upon said determining step.
 31. The method of claim 26, wherein the vehicle has a steering column, and further comprising determining the position of the steering column on the vehicle, wherein said selecting step is further based upon said determining step.
 32. The method of claim 26, wherein the vehicle has a plurality of drivetrain shafts, and further comprising determining the relative positions of the drivetrain shafts on the vehicle, wherein said selecting step is further based upon said determining step.
 33. The method of claim 26, wherein the vehicle has an exhaust system, wherein the exhaust system includes an exhaust system component, and further comprising determining the position of the exhaust system component on the vehicle, wherein said selecting step is further based upon said determining step.
 34. The method of claim 26, wherein the vehicle has an engine compartment, wherein a vehicle component is located in the engine compartment, and further comprising determining the position of the vehicle component in the engine compartment, wherein said selecting step is further based upon said determining step.
 35. The method of claim 26, wherein each of the first and second oil pans has an extension, wherein the extension comprises a secondary housing member configured to increase the volume of the oil pan, and wherein each of the first location and the second location are selected from the group consisting of the floor, the front sidewall, the rear sidewall, the left sidewall, the right sidewall and the extension. 